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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. While OA can damage any joint, it most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine. As a condition that progresses slowly, it can lead to chronic pain and decreased mobility, significantly impacting one’s quality of life.
Several factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis:
Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
Genetics: A family history of OA can increase your risk.
Joint Injuries: Injuries from sports, accidents, or repetitive stress can accelerate the wear and tear of cartilage.
Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
Bone Deformities: Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage.
Other Diseases: Conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing OA.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary, but common signs include:
Pain: Joint pain during or after movement.
Stiffness: Joint stiffness, particularly noticeable upon waking up or after being inactive.
Tenderness: Joints may feel tender when you apply light pressure.
Loss of Flexibility: Reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
Grating Sensation: You might feel or hear a grating sensation when using the joint.
Bone Spurs: Extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.
Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the joint.
Before seeking professional treatment, there are several at-home remedies you can try to manage osteoarthritis symptoms:
Exercise: Engage in low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling to strengthen muscles around the joints and maintain flexibility.
Weight Management: Losing weight can reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Use warm towels or heating pads to ease stiffness and cold packs to reduce swelling and pain.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
Assistive Devices: Braces, shoe inserts, or canes can help take the pressure off your joints.
When at-home treatments are not enough, several medical interventions can help manage osteoarthritis:
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen muscles and improve joint function.
Medications: Prescription medications, including stronger NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or hyaluronic acid injections, can provide relief.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like joint injections or arthroscopy can help manage pain and improve joint function without surgery.
Regenerative Medicine: Innovations like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell treatments are showing promise in repairing damaged cartilage.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options like joint replacement may be necessary to restore function.
At Frontier Physical Medicine, we prioritize patient care and offer a personalized approach to treating osteoarthritis. Here’s how we help our patients manage this condition:
Initial Consultation
Our process begins with a thorough initial consultation. We take the time to understand your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. This comprehensive assessment helps us tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Diagnostic Evaluation
We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the extent of your osteoarthritis. This may include imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a detailed view of the affected joints.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your diagnosis, we create a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of the following:
Physical Therapy: Our skilled physical therapists design exercise programs tailored to strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve your range of motion.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: We offer joint injections and other minimally invasive treatments to alleviate pain and improve joint function without the need for surgery.
Regenerative Medicine: Our clinic specializes in cutting-edge regenerative therapies like PRP and stem cell treatments, which aim to repair and regenerate damaged cartilage.
Pain Management: We focus on managing your pain through a variety of non-drug approaches, ensuring you get relief without relying on heavy medications.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
We believe in continuous care and support. Our team regularly monitors your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as needed to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Easy Contact Options
We understand the importance of accessibility and convenience. Our clinics in Tampa and Clearwater offer easy contact options for scheduling appointments and consultations. You can reach out to us via phone, email, or through our website for quick and efficient service.
Patient-Centered Care
At Frontier Physical Medicine, our patients come first. We are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care that focuses on your individual needs and goals. Our team is dedicated to helping you manage osteoarthritis effectively, so you can enjoy a better quality of life.
For more information on our services and how we can help you manage osteoarthritis, visit our website at Frontier Physical Medicine.
An Innovative Medical Facility That Uses Minimally Invasive Procedures To Treat A Variety Of Conditions.
